Police Nab Alleged Mastermind Behind French Crypto Kidnappings: Report
A 24-year-old French-Moroccan national, Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, was arrested in Morocco for his alleged role as the mastermind behind recent crypto-related kidnappings in France. He is subject to an Interpol Red Notice and is linked to the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in January. French Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin praised Morocco for the arrest, highlighting judicial cooperation against organized crime. Bajjou joins 12 others arrested by French police for their involvement in kidnapping plots, including an attempted kidnapping of the pregnant daughter of Paymium’s CEO, Pierre Noizat. Following these arrests, 25 suspects were charged, primarily aged 16-23. Another French-Moroccan national is believed to be orchestrating the schemes. Worldwide, "wrench attacks" against crypto holders are increasing, with 29 reported in 2025 compared to 34 in all of 2024.
